The Outlaw Billy StilesJohn Koblas (North Star Press, $14.95

In The Outlaw Billy Stiles, John Koblas writes with a good handle on history as well as a sharp sense of humor. In this Western spoof, Koblas rewrites the life and times of Billy Stiles, whose career began in Northfield, Minnesota, riding with the James Gang. Stiles spins enormous lies about his adventures with the Daltons, Bat Masterson, Poker Alice, King Fisher, Judge Parker and Calamity Jane. The novel is quick paced and highly entertaining.